Aldershot Town slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Hornchurch in the National League.

Hakeem Sandah was on target for the Shots, but goals from Dominic Poleon and George Alexander gave the hosts all three points at the Hornchurch Stadium.

The Shots nearly took an early lead when Sandah cut inside and played in Marcus Dinanga, whose effort went just wide.

The hosts went ahead in the 25th minute when Alexander’s shot was blocked by Dominic Odusanya and Poleon fired home the rebound from a tight angle into the right-hand corner of the net.

Hornchurch nearly doubled their advantage when Alexander squared to Poleon, who dragged his first-time effort from the edge of the area wide of the mark.

Aldershot almost equalised when Conor Lawless’ effort from the edge of the box forced a fine save from Hornchurch keeper Arthur Nasta.

The Shots got back on level terms on 44 minutes. Nino-Adom Malaki’s cross found Dinanga, whose shot fell into the path of Sandah, who made no mistake and fired home from 12 yards out.

Aldershot nearly went ahead when Sandah’s powerful first-time effort was well saved by Nasta.

The Urchins regained the lead on the hour mark when Shots keeper Nick Hayes dropped Aaron Rowe’s cross and Alexander tapped home into an empty net.

Shots boss Scott Davies made a double change in the 64th minute, with Tristan Abrahams and Jordan Alves replacing Marcus Wyllie and Brody Peart.

Aldershot looked for a late leveller, but Hornchurch ran the clock down effectively as the Shots struggled to get control of the game.

Davies brought Jack Matton on for Tyrese Dyce in stoppage time as Aldershot pushed for an equaliser, but the hosts held on to earn all three points and send the Shots home empty-handed.